Method and apparatus for rapid severance of a decoy towline
US8387501B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T83/8782
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.